Illinois Amtrak train hits 110 mph in test run

JASON KEYSER
Associated PressPublished: October 19, 2012 2:15PM

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) -- An Amtrak passenger train has reached a speed of 110 mph for the first time in Illinois.

The train reached the speed Friday morning in a modest milestone for President Barack Obama's high-speed rail vision. The five-car, two-locomotive train zipped through the central Illinois countryside, hitting its high speed between the towns of Dwight and Pontiac.

Gov. Pat Quinn and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood were among the officials aboard who watched the speed increase on a special video monitor. The governor pumped his fist in the air and gave a thumbs-up when it reached 110 mph. Other officials cheered and clapped.

The 30-mph increase from the route's current top speed is a morale booster for advocates of high-speed rail. But some rail experts question whether the route will become profitable.